Museums in Israel:
The First Aliyah Museum

The rest of the world came to recognize and associate
the founding of the Jewish homeland with those who came in the Second
Aliyah. However, the immigrants of the First
Aliyah really made what came later, possible. These anonymous pioneers
came to the Land of Israel between 1882-1904.

The First
Aliyah was composed primarily of individual families, rather than
individuals, as were the subsequent aliyot. Moreover, it was
this group of pioneers who paid the highest price, in terms of both
hardship and actual loss of life. Roughly, 35,000 pioneers came in the First Aliyah. Their
primary reasons for making Aliyah were the pogroms as well as for religious
and agricultural reasons.

The First Aliyah Museum opened its doors to the public
in February 1999. It was established in memory of Moshe & Sara Arisohn,
who were among Zichron
Yaacov’s first settlers. According to Museum Director, Hanan
Horowwitz, this is the first history museum in Israel whose exhibits
are not made of authentic items. The modern exhibits, which are clearly
labeled in English, are spread out over three floors and are comprised
of reconstructions and a variety of multimedia aids.

A bit of cinematography history, a black and white
film, that was shot in Israel in 1913 and which is considered the oldest
film depicting Israel found a home in this museum. The movie showing Tel Aviv in
its early days and figures such as Yosef
Trumpeldor was thought to have been lost until 1997, when it was
discovered in the Paris Film Archive.

The museum is located in a building that was built
by Baron de Rothschilds staff in 1892. Known at times as the Administration
House, when built, it was the largest and most magnificent building
in Israel. It was here, that in 1903 the Hebrew Teachers of the Land
of Israel held their first meeting. The first national settlers
conference was held in Zichron Yaacov, it dealt with opposition
to the Uganda Plan. Over the
years the building served many purposes. During World War I the Turks
used it as a military hospital and a mosque. Settlers of Zichron Yaacov
also used it as a school.

This museum provides a better understanding of what
life was like for those first brave pioneers who persevered through
many hardships.

The First Aliyah Museum is located at 2 Hanadiv Street,
Zichron Yaacov.